DUBLIN 2, Ireland, 16-Oct-2018 — /EPR FOOD & BEVERAGE NEWS/ — Glancing through the dairy segment of retail aisles in Europe offers a clear comparison of preference for halloumi cheese than other cheese varieties. According to a Fact.MR study on halloumi cheese market, 76% of modern trade outlets and 92% of online grocery retailers had halloumi cheese in their offerings.

Not only has the consumer base expanded, but per capita consumption of Halloumi cheese has also witnessed an increase

Ease of availability is a key factor that has led to an increase in halloumi cheese sales worldwide, particularly in Europe. The Fact.MR study includes an analysis on the sentiments of retailers who did not have halloumi cheese in their product offerings – nearly 48% of the Eastern European retailers mentioned ‘increased customer enquiry’ about the availability of halloumi cheese over the past two years.

Furthermore, not only has the consumer base increased, but the per capita consumption has also surged in Europe. Apart from Cyprus, which is a clear outlier in terms of per capita consumption of halloumi cheese, average consumption in Europe stands slightly less than a pound per year.

Along with increased consumer base and per capita consumption of halloumi cheese in Europe, there’s an another dimension that plays a critical role. “It’s the variety of specialty and halloumi cheese which consumers are inclined towards. “Organic” has become another buzzword these days, which is mostly due to increased health consciousness and lifestyle changes among consumers, says Mr. Shambhu Nath Jha, Senior Consultant at Fact.MR. “The selection process of grocery products has widely changed among several consumer clusters, as they are moving away from lucrative offers toward products with added health benefits. Labels and certifications on cheese products were not as important to consumers earlier as they have become now,” adds Mr. Jha.

Digital Visibility Acting as a Catalyst for Halloumi Cheese Sales in Europe

One of the key reasons for increasing demand for halloumi cheese is its increasing presence on e-commerce shelves. This has had a significant impact on awareness about the product.

“Specialty online channels are gaining popularity across Europe, owing to significant consumer demand for specialty products from Tier II and suburban areas. Online grocery retailers have broadened the access of their offerings to reach a wider demographic. The ease of access provided by online channels has led to the multi-dimensional growth, which has augured well for the prospects of halloumi cheese producers,” opines Mr. Jha.

Halloumi cheese has been growing at double-digit growth rate through online retail, and it is further expected to increase in the years to come. Developing countries, especially India and China, have gained significant traction in the online grocery sales and due to this, several cheese manufacturers and traders have partnered with specialty online stores.

Brands are Positioning Halloumi Cheese as a Healthy Alternative to Conventional Cheese

“The reason halloumi cheese sells like hot cakes across Europe is because it’s so moreish. However, a question even avid consumers ask is, “It tastes so good, but can it, in some way, be healthy? And, the answers are encouraging. Halloumi cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein, and moderate intake can be advantageous,” says Mr. Jha.

Halloumi cheese producers are leveraging these attributes of the product in marketing, and positioning it as a healthy alternative to conventional cheese. However, it’s worthwhile to note that halloumi cheese is high in saturated fats and salts, and too much of halloumi cheese consumption can aggravate certain health conditions. There are cheese variants that are healthier than halloumi – feta, mozzarella, and cottage cheese. However, halloumi is considered as a healthier option than goat cheese and cheddar cheese

Burgeoning Demand Exerting Pressure on Production Capacities

Halloumi cheese is native to Cyprus, however, the surge in its demand globally has encouraged the local dairy producers in other European and non-European countries to produce it domestically. As a result, foray of new players has been witnessed in the halloumi cheese market. The burgeoning demand for halloumi cheese in Europe, especially in the UK, has catalyzed efforts to implement a genomic scheme to boost production in Cyprus. “The way forward for greater halloumi production is industry-institution collaboration,” concludes Mr. Jha.

DUBLIN 2, Ireland, 11-Oct-2018 — /EPR FOOD & BEVERAGE NEWS/ — The unwavering consumer focus on personal variables such as effects of aging, being conscious about self-image and physical attractiveness has been capitalized by personal care product manufacturers, and as an outcome, new personal care and cosmetic products are introduced to the market on every day basis. Furthermore, personal care and cosmetic product manufacturers have also shifted towards ingredients that impart multi-functional properties to products. Among various types of such ingredients, including but not limited to, modifiers, emollients, and stabilizers, emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers are witnessing a surge in demand, especially from the cosmetics and personal care in Europe. According to a Fact.MR study, Europe accounts for nearly 40% revenue share of the global emulsifier and co-emulsifier market.

Food emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers are classified into broader categories i.e. synthetic and natural emulsifiers or bio-based emulsifiers. According to the Fact.MR study, of the total 464 KT demand for emulsifier and co-emulsifier in Europe in 2017, the difference between bio-based emulsifier and synthetic emulsifier was insignificant. Synthetic emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers lead the pack currently, however, demand for bio-based variants is encouraging, signifying shifting consumer preferences.

Bio-based emulsifiers have the advantages of being economic to the scale of production, are non-toxic, and easy to handle. According to Fact.MR’s study, demand for bio-based emulsifiers is likely to witness a surge on account of these attributes. However, the study opines that challenges, especially large volume needed to be effective as emulsifier, along with the need for preservative while using these natural emulsifiers can stymie uptake.

Although the Fact.MR study remains bullish on the long-term prospects of emulsifier and co-emulsifier market, adoption of feasible alternatives by the food processing and personal care industry can impede growth. The effectiveness of new baking enzymes, such as lipases & transglutaminase, can offset the demand for emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers. This enzyme helps in cross-linking the gluten proteins as well as improves the stability and consistency of the dough. Enzymes are proving to be a better alternative to emulsifiers owing to their cost-effectiveness. These enzymes are of utmost importance with regards to mixing, handling and fermentation stages of dough.

The myriad properties of emulsifiers — stabilized emulsions, homogeneity in creams and solutions, and stabilization in the anti-aging as well as hydrating creams — make these a perfect fit as an ingredient. Additionally, the market actors at different nodes in the value chain understand the relevance of keeping product development in sync with the end user demand, be it the base ingredient or additives for formulation. For instance, as skin care formulations are becoming stronger, formulators are focusing on manufacturing multi-functional and effective emulsifiers that enable development of sophisticated personal care products.

Europe’s Food Sector Energizing Emulsifier Demand

Emulsifiers also find application as a food additive, wherein these are used for maintaining product quality by retaining the fat content. Increasing incidences of food borne diseases has pushed food processors to use emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers of different source, grade, and quality.

Increasing preference for convenience and premium food products among European consumers is resulting in the increasing use of emulsifiers. Demand for emulsifiers has also received a fillip on account of the broader health and wellness trend, as emulsifier use can help manufacturers reduce fat content while improving texture and taste.

Along with fat retention, emulsifiers also help maintain overall quality of the food, which has boosted their uptake in the food processing industry.

Food brands across Europe are increasing the use of emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers in their products, to prolong shelf life, reducing enzyme attack kinetics as well as prevent food decomposition. FDA and several other organizations have enacted a set of safety norms in order to regulate the use of food preservatives. Industry leaders in food processing and ingredient supply are investing in research and development for formulations that are healthy, and do not carry risk of side-effects – Cargill’s new innovation of de-oiled canola lecithin in its product range of emulsifiers stands as an apt example.

Austin, TX, May 05, 2015 — /EPR FOOD & BEVERAGE NEWS/ — Texas lawmakers will have the opportunity to make it easier for consumers to buy raw milk on Thursday, when House Bill 91 is scheduled to come up for a vote on the floor of the House.

The bill, which was approved by the Public Health Committee, will loosen the current regulations that only allow raw milk to be sold on the farm by allowing dairy farmers to sell raw milk at farmers’ markets and to make delivery arrangements with their customers.

“Currently, Texans have to travel to a licensed dairy to buy raw milk,” explained Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Executive Director Judith McGeary. “This bill reduces costs and hassle for consumers, while allowing farmers a fair opportunity to market their products,” she continued.

Kris Errickson, whose 13-year old daughter testified to the Public Health Committee in favor of the bill, explained the impact raw milk had on her daughter’s health. “My daughter suffered from food allergies and eczema for much of her life. Her condition changed for the better after implementing a strict diet including raw milk. However, for the past two years my husband battled terminal brain cancer. Driving hours for raw milk was too burdensome, so she had no milk during this time, and her eczema recently returned.”

Texas State Rep. Dan Flynn(R-Canton), the bill’s sponsor, has called it a “free-enterprise” bill. “If you have a legal product, it seems like you should be able to sell it at a farmer’s market,” Flynn told committee members at a hearing on April 21.

Mark Hutchins, a second generation raw milk dairy farmer from Greenville who also testified at the hearing, encouraged the full House to pass the legislation. “The House should affirm that licensed, regulated and legal raw milk is a safe product that ought to be more readily available to interested consumers.

“As a raw milk producer myself, I know how hard raw milk farmers work to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of their loyal customers, and how much it means to customers to be able to access this product. I urge the Texas House to quickly pass HB 91 and support the freedom of farmers and consumers to choose what is best for their families’ health and safety.”

About Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) is a national organization that supports independent family farmers and protects a healthy and productive food supply for American consumers. FARFA promotes common sense policies for local, diversified agricultural systems.

One of the best kitchen appliance stores in the United Kingdom has launched a site dedicated to cream fridge freezers at CreamFridgeFreezers.org.uk. They boast a dedicated customer service team and a wide selection of styles from which to choose.

Their unheard of selection of products and understanding of what their clients need will keep this company ahead of their game while they attempt to lead with some of the best brands in cream fridge freezers. Their stock comes from around the world and from trusted names. Despite this elite array of products, they are keeping prices down and offering only the best fridge freezers in terms of construction and finish.

John Morrison, the owner, was enthusiastic about the capabilities of his staff, the quality of their customer service and their prices. When it came to the site, he was confident it could deliver, saying, “We try to be different by offering great prices coupled with extensive knowledge and experience in this area.”

At CreamFridgeFreezers.org.uk, there are numerous fridge freezers from which to choose. They have a size and model for every use. There are frost free fridge freezers, water dispensers, American style fridge freezers and more. Not only that, but customers can expect to see new models with new options as they become available. This company is dedicated to having the most modern, useful and even aesthetically pleasing items in stock.

Golden Spoon, the popular Southern California frozen yogurt company, unveiled their hip new website highlighting the chain’s Southern California roots, it’s famous creamy taste, and even the frozen yogurt’s health benefits. “ We’ve only just begun to renew our brand and bring it back to life; the website is a reflection of what is to come,” said Golden Spoon’s CEO Roger Clawson.

Golden Spoon is Southern California’s original frozen yogurt. The look of the new website is simple and fresh, just like their ingredients, with classic Southern California beach images highlighting Golden Spoon’s heritage. It started in 1981 as a remodel of a health food store in Tustin, California, and has grown into a worldwide brand with an extremely loyal following. You can read all about the journey in the “About Us” section on the site.

The website spotlights the healthy attributes of Golden Spoon’s product made with real fruit and real milk , including full nutritional information for both low-fat and non-fat flavors. Another handy feature allows you to compare the nutritional value of Golden Spoon frozen yogurt to other foods such as ice cream, granola bars and smoothies.

The website is also a great place to find out about new flavors and new additions, like thenew eco-friendly yogurt cups, which biodegrade in only 21 days. Along with the new design and eco-friendly cups, Golden Spoon is also introducing a revolutionary new pricing method, one without scales. Most competing frozen yogurt stores provide one over-sized cup for customers to fill with yogurt and toppings, and the cup is priced based on the total weight. You never know what your dessert will cost you until it is too late, and it’s very easy to go over-budget.

Golden Spoon is changing all that with an innovative, industry-first pricing structure they have trademarked as “Weightless Pricing.” Customers pay a single, fixed price for one of three cup sizes, then fill it with as much yogurt and as many toppings as they wish. Three stores, including Irvine, La Costa and Carlsbad, will launch the new store concept on May 12, 2012 with free yogurt all day.

And, if all the flavors and toppings are not enough variety, customers can also choose their service level. Tell a Golden Spoon “concierge” employee what you have in mind, and then relax as they swirl your yogurt and bring it to your table. Or, you can opt for a “hands-on” experience and create your own masterpiece.

“My father, Jeff Barnes, is the founder of Golden Spoon. Since I can remember, the stores have always looked the same,” said Reed Barnes, Golden Spoon’s Director of Training. “As an

owner of two stores, including the original Golden Spoon location in Lake Forest, I love the new direction, the new look and the new store concept. It couldn’t be a better time to be a part of Golden Spoon Franchising.”

Golden Spoon Franchising, the franchising arm of the largest frozen yogurt brand in Southern California, announced the signing of an agreement with the M.H. Al Mana Group of Companies to develop the Golden Spoon franchise throughout Qatar. The agreement is for the opening of eight or more stores over the next five years. Three stores are currently open in the Doha market area with five more to follow. The fourth location is expected to be open by April 30th with two more slated for the end of June 2012. The final two will open by the end of August 2012 for a total of eight stores.

“Signing the agreement to enter the Qatar market demonstrates our commitment to make Golden Spoon a leading global brand,” said Golden Spoon Franchising CEO Roger Clawson. “Our successful launch into Japan and the Philippines helped validate Golden Spoon’s international expansion into the Middle East Region and built our brand’s exposure worldwide. We look forward to replicating that success in Qatar with the M.H. AL Mana Group and throughout the GCC with other professional, multi-unit franchise developer groups.” Clawson said he plans to continue the health-conscious frozen yogurt brand’s worldwide expansion by signing master franchise agreements in the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait within the next 12 months. Golden Spoon also has its sights on key markets in Asia such as China, India and Vietnam.

“Golden Spoon is the only worldwide brand selling authentic frozen yogurt. Unlike most of our worldwide competitors, we insist that all of our products are produced and shipped from our dairy. The rest of the industry falls short by generally serving a reconstituted powdered mix that attempts to taste like their original U.S. product. The difference in taste, quality and overall value has set us apart for almost 30 years. One taste and you will know why we have led the industry since 1983,” said Clawson.

“Signing with the M.H. Almana Group of Companies is a great win for Golden Spoon,” Clawson said. A proven multi-unit developer and operator, the M.H. Almana Group of Companies has already developed a famous U.S. restaurant brand in Qatar. The M.H. Almana Group of Companies has many years of successful experience in retail operations. “We explored many franchising opportunities to add to the M.H. Almana Group of Companies family, and Golden Spoon matched well with our focus on bringing in brands that will be of value to the people in Qatar,” Abdulaziz Al Mana stated. “We feel Golden Spoon’s focus on local communities and its commitment to providing premium products at a great price creates an opportunity that is too good to pass up.” Golden Spoon’s community-centric focus adapts their model and flavors to fit varying cultures across the globe, all while maintaining a consistent and credible quality product.

When asked if any flavors would be developed to cater to the local taste palette, Clawson said apricot and additional regionally popular flavors would soon be added to the current menu. “However, we anticipate that our traditional Western flavors will also be popular.”

The company is offering their online customers great discounts and lower shipping costs. Allergiesandme.com carries many products for those with special dietary needs including allergy free foods and gluten free products for those with food allergies or disorders like Celiac Disease.

Allergiesandme.com is now teaming up with the well-known food allergy publication, Allergic Living Magazine, to offer their valued online readers a special discount. From now until December 31st, shoppers will be able to take an additional 10% off their product orders. The company is also announcing a recent reduction in their shipping costs. “We have been able to take advantage of some reduced fees, and will be passing these directly on to our customers. “Our company strives to provide the best possible value in today’s hard hit economy. I know that feeding a family with traditional diet requirements is hard, so we want to offer a greater level of assistance to families with food restrictions”, according to the company owner, Jamie Stern.

The online retailer, www.Allergiesandme.com, launched their internet store in August and has grown quickly. Customer feedback has been positive regarding the stress-free shopping on their “user-friendly” allergen search database, as well as the extensive product and ingredient information. “Our shoppers have been happy with the website’s easy navigation and all the information we provide” says owner, Jamie Stern. “Our team is continuing to add even more unique, specialty foods and personal use items weekly”.

EPR Food & Beverage News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the food & beverage news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

EPR Network has thousands of clients around the world including global 500 corporations like Hilton Hotels, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Tesco UK, eBay/Skype, Emirates, just to name a few. The network’s PR web sites are currently reaching from 150,000 to sometimes 500,000 unique visitors per month while our viral reach could possibly go to as much as 1M people per month through our presence across various social media sites. EPR Network was established in 2004 and as of May 2008 it had more than 800,000 press releases (pages) published on its network.